KDF®: What's it All About:

What's KDF® Water Filtration

(Removes Chromium 6, Hexavalent Chromium)

How Effective is it in Removing Chlorine and other Contaminants?

KDF® Process Media are high-purity, granulated copper and zinc-based alloys that treat water through a process based upon the principle of redox (Oxidation-Reduction). Originally, KDF was shorthand for Kinetic Degradation Fluxion. Basically, KDF creates zinc oxide in the cartridge which helps stop bacteria from growing--it actually killls bacteria--and allows the carbon to last longer.

GAC (granular activated carbon) will remove organic materials VOCs and radon gas by a process called adsorption. KDF removes metals including lead and hexavalent chromium 6, pesticides, Trihalomethanes THMs, MTBE, and neutralizes chlorine. KDF combined with coconut shell carbon (GAC or carbon block) extends the life by protecting against bacteria growth. Most systems use carbon to remove chlorine, but need replacing every 3 to 6 months--bacteria will grow in carbon. But, the copper zinc in KDF produces zinc oxide which inhibits bacteria growth extends the life to 3 years.

How KDF® Filters Work

Our filters use a three-stage KDF/GAC cartridge that inhibits bacteria formation, removes sediment, cysts, chlorine, heavy metals, pesticides and more, while leaving the healthy minerals present in your water. KDF actually neutralizes chlorine! And the effectiveness of the GAC is extended by using KDF to remove chlorine.

Mechanical Filtration--The First Stage

When the particle dimension is bigger then the filtration media, this stage removes suspended sediment including dirt, sand and other matter not dissolved. Our cartridges offers a number of stages. First water pass through a 1 to 5 micron pre-filter (cartridges KG, CT-E and IL). The one micron filters will remove sediment and cysts (Giardia, Cryptosporidium).

Next, the water passes is filtered through KDF®-55, a patented media from KDF Fluid Treatment, Inc., made up of copper and zinc. KDF kills or inhibits bacteria growth. Chlorine is neutralized by the KDF with a 99.9 percent removal rate for up to 3 years. KDF also removes iIron and hydrogen sulfide and heavy metals like lead and arsenic are removed by the metals plating to the surface of the copper/zinc material. If you're concerned about copper and zinc entering the water, only a slight amount will be left behind (<0.05 mg/l copper and only 0.46 mg/l zinc).

Adsorption--Stage 3 GAC

Coconut shell granular activated carbon (GAC) is widely used as an effective adsorbent for a numerous organic contaminants (herbicides, pesticides, certain industrial chemicals and trihalomethanes. GAC is highly porous offering a large surface area for collecting contaminants (the surface area of this carbon is equivalent the size of up to fifty sports parks). Most carbon filters use bituminous coal for chlorine filtration, but don't work well for removing chemicals. However, we use coconut shell carbon which is very effective for removing chemicals like trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and other chemicals often found in municipal water systems. Also, because KDF removes chlorine before it gets to the GAC carbon, the carbon is left free to remove chemicals and organic matter, thus extenting its life.

KDF/GAC Filter Advantages

Removes a wide range of contaminants including heavy metals

Leaves healthful minerals intact producing a tastier mineral water

KDF neutralizes chlorine

Low maintenance

Lower operating costs (about 1 cent per gallon)

KDF media inhibits bacteria growth within the unit - uses no silver

5 to 10 times longer life than GAC-only filter

Optional ceramic pre-filter can remove bacteria and cysts

Here's what KDF Fluid Treatment, Inc. says about their products:

"KDF media is the core product of many filtration systems, and can be used in conjunction with other products to provide superior purification. Patented KDF process media consist of high-purity copper-zinc formulations. These substances exchange electrons or bond with chlorine and other metals contained in the water to create harmless substances. Through this basic chemical process known as redox (oxidation/reduction), KDF process media work behind the scenes to rid your water of chlorine, lead, mercury, iron and hydrogen sulfide. The redox reaction also inhibits the growth of bacteria, algae, and fungi. As an added benefit, KDF media reduce lime scale, mold, and fungi in your tub or shower. KDF process media are completely safe. KDF media meet EPA and Food and Drug Administration standards for levels of zinc and copper in potable water, so the process is not toxic and does not cause any adverse side effects. Hospitals, restaurants, municipal water treatment facilities, and homes rely on KDF process media to safely reduce or remove chlorine, iron, hydrogen sulfide and heavy metals from their water. KDF media are environmentally sound and 100 percent recyclable, but refer to the instructions enclosed with your filter or system for proper disposal, as different manufacturers combine KDF process media with other filtration technologies. ANSI/NSF Standard 61 for drinking water system components -- health effects."

Benefits of KDF Process Media

Significantly extend the life of granular activated carbon

Are recyclable

Effectively remove chlorine and heavy metals and control microorganisms

Are available in four granular styles, each designed for a specific need

Outperform silver-impregnated carbons

equire no EPA registration, thus less red tape

What about KDF Process Media and RO, DI and IX systems?

Reverse Osmosis (RO), Deionization (DI) and Ion Exchange (IX) systems benefit from the use of KDF Process Media because our Media allow these systems to tend to their strengths. Our Media protect RO systems from chlorine degradation and bacterial contamination, extending the life of the systems’ membranes. KDF Process Media protect expensive IX systems from becoming fouled with chlorine, algae, fungi and bacteria. Less fouling, longer life and reduced maintenance, all combine for lower costs.

Where are KDF Process Media used?

KDF Process Media are used in a variety of pretreatment, primary treatment, and wastewater applications. They are generally used in place of, or in conjunction with, granular activated carbon filters, even carbon block or inline filters. KDF Process Media extend the life of granular activated carbon (GAC) while protecting the carbon bed against fouling by bacterial growth.

Our Media are also used to replace silver-impregnated systems. Silver is toxic, KDF Process Media are not. Silver must be registered with the EPA as a toxic pesticide, KDF Process Media do not. By the way, silver is more expensive than KDF Process Media.

Make Up of KDF-55 and Chlorine Removal

We use KDF-55 to effectively remove 99.9 percent of the free chlorine in municipal water. It's composed of 50 percent copper and 50 percent zinc. The zinc component of KDF-55 effectively removes the majority of chlorine present in most municipal water system. The copper component can reduce chloramines (chlorine with ammonia) recently introduced into municipal water because they prevent the formation of THMs. ANSI/NSF Standard 42 for drinking water. In 1992, KDF 85® and KDF 55® Process Media were certified by NSF International to its Standard 61 for drinking water.

Certification

In 1997, KDF 55 Process Medium was certified to ANSI/NSF Standard 42 for drinking water. In 1992, KDF 85® and KDF 55® Process Media were certified by NSF International to its Standard 61 for drinking water.